Russian ambassador: Mistral issue to be settled this year

06.09.2010 Russia will decide whether to buy French helicopter carrier Mistral till the year is over; Mistral has good chances to win Russia's tender, said Alexander Orlov, Russian ambassador to France.

Russia holds negotiations with France on procurement of four Mistral-type multipurpose assault landing ships.

"We've been talking since March and it's time to make a decision whether we'll take it or not", said the ambassador in the interview aboard Russian nuclear-powered cruiser Petr Veliky.

He pointed out that Russian legislation "requires that all deals of such significance should be done through tender".

The diplomat mentioned that similar ships were also built in the Netherlands, Spain, and S Korea, although said nothing whether any of those countries had applied for participation in the tender. As for him, France does take part in it.

"In my opinion, there is much progress in talks with France, and it has good chances to win. If French partners would offer more interesting terms, of course", Orlov said.

"Nonetheless, the definitive decision is to be made by a special board", he added.